CHICAGO (WLS) -- Monday is the U.S. Navy's 250th birthday, and Chicago's connection to the service runs deep.

From World War training to recruiting, the city has played a critical role in preparing sailors.

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In the middle of the country, far from any ocean or sea, the U.S. Navy found an unlikely home.

"Chicago's love affair with the Navy started over 130 years ago," said U.S. Navy Reserve Cmdr. Jeffrey Gray.

From the Spanish American War in 1898 to World Wars I and II, the Chicago area has long been a major player in protecting the country.

"The importance of the Navy is we keep the sea lanes open... The other services, they're based on the ground. In the Navy. we take our home with us," Gray said. "We're the away game. We'd rat

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